Hepatitis A Outbreak Information Show
What is hepatitis A? Is hepatitis A contagious? What are the symptoms of hepatitis A? What should I do if I have been exposed to hepatitis A or get sick with hepatitis A? What makes hepatitis A so serious? Who is at risk for hepatitis A? What is the best way to prevent hepatitis A? Hepatitis A Information for Food Establishments Resources What is hepatitis A?Hepatitis A is a disease caused by a virus that infects the liver. You can prevent it with a vaccine. Is hepatitis A contagious?Yes. People who have hepatitis A can spread it to others. The virus spreads through infected poop. You can get hepatitis A if you put something in your mouth (food, water, hands) that has infected poop on or in it. The item can have the virus on it even if it looks clean. Hepatitis A usually spreads among close contacts, like family members. What are the symptoms of hepatitis A?Symptoms of hepatitis A include:
Most adults, teens, and older children (over six years) will get symptoms. These symptoms usually show up two to six weeks after they get infected with hepatitis A. People can spread the virus even when they don't have symptoms. Most children under six years of age do not get symptoms. People who get hepatitis A usually get better within two months. Some people can be sick for as long as six months. If you do get sick with hepatitis A, you cannot get the virus again. What should I do if I have been exposed to hepatitis A or get sick with hepatitis A?Call your doctor, nurse, or clinic, or your local health department. They will tell you the steps to take next. If you were exposed to hepatitis A recently and you haven't gotten the hepatitis A vaccine, you should get the vaccine within two weeks. If you are over age 40 or have health conditions that put you at high risk for the disease, a doctor or clinic may give you something called immune globulin as well as the vaccine. There is no special treatment for hepatitis A. Doctors usually ask that you rest, eat healthy food, and drink lots of fluids. Share your full health history with your doctor because you may need to stop taking certain medications. Is hepatitis A a serious illness?Some people with hepatitis A get so sick they need to stay in the hospital. Hepatitis A can sometimes cause liver failure and death. This is rare, and happens more in people age 40 or older, and people with other liver diseases like hepatitis B or C. Who should get hepatitis A vaccine?
How can I prevent hepatitis A?The best way to prevent hepatitis A is with the hepatitis A vaccine. Visit our hepatitis A vaccine page for more information. You can also stop the spread of germs by washing your hands well. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds after you use the bathroom or change a diaper, and before you make or eat food. Information for Food EstablishmentsThere is not a routine recommendation for food workers, but if food handlers want protection from hepatitis A, you can be vaccinated. Talk to your staff about health and sanitation when working with food. Food service workers must tell their manager right away if:
Hepatitis A ResourcesHepatitis A (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Viral Hepatitis (CDC) Traveler's Health (CDC) Hepatitis A Is a Serious Liver Disease (PDF) (Immunization Action Coalition) Information for Public Health and Health Care ProvidersNotifiable conditions: Hepatitis A (Washington State Department of Health) Ask the experts: Hepatitis A (Immunization Action Coalition) For More InformationCommunicable Disease Epidemiology 206-418-5500 or toll free 877-539-4344 Adult Viral Hepatitis Prevention Program 360-236-3498 or toll free 866-917-4HEP Immunization Program 360-236-3595 Food Program 360-236-3330. Should I quarantine if I have hep A?Hepatitis A is very contagious. This means that you can easily catch the virus from someone or give it to someone else. You are most contagious soon after you are infected and before symptoms appear. Adults who are otherwise healthy are no longer contagious 2 weeks after the illness begins.
How long is a person contagious with hepatitis A?For how long is an infected person able to spread the virus? The contagious period begins one to two weeks before symptoms appear, and is minimal about one week after the onset of jaundice. Food workers should be excluded from work for at least two weeks after the onset of clinical symptoms of hepatitis A.
What should you do if you are exposed to hepatitis A?All nonimmune people who are exposed to hepatitis A virus (HAV) and have not been previously infected or vaccinated should receive PEP within 14 days after the date of last exposure. PEP should be given as soon as possible during the appropriate time window.
How is hepatitis A mainly transmitted?It is spread primarily when a person ingests the virus from food, drinks, or objects that have been contaminated by small amounts of stool from an infected person; sex with an infected person, particularly if it involves anal-oral contact; and through injection drug use.
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